Veteran technology lawyer John Yates was named Morris, Manning & Martin’s co-chairman Monday, and he shared plans for combining nontraditional methods of earning new business with the age-old practice of lawyers taking active leadership roles in the community.

The firm announced Yates, founder and head of the firm’s corporate technology practice, will join with current firm chairman Gerald Pouncey Jr. to help guide Morris Manning’s overall business growth while managing partner Simon Malko will continue to lead the day-to-day operations.